Egyptian News Channel Suspends Presenters For Being Overweight

From being called 'whores' for wearing strappy tops to being passed cardigans live on air, female presenters are facing an onslaught of sexist abuse for the way they dress.

But this story takes the biscuit.

In Egypt, eight female news anchors have just been suspended by the state for being overweight.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

According to BuzzFeed, the Egyptian Radio and Television Union (ERTU) have kicked the presenters out of the studio and given them one month to 'slim down' until they have an 'appropriate appearance'.

Getty Images

Amr Al-Shennawaii, a chief manager for the state-run station explains: 'There are standards for those who appear on television screens all around the world.

'For many years, people have mocked Egyptian presenters because of their appearance and lack of qualification, so when we are finally trying to bring reform, people are angry. That's strange,' he added.

No Amr, what's strange is the fact you're telling women they can't do their jobs because of the size of their middle-sections.

While the news station assured viewers the same weight standards would apply to men, only female anchors have been removed from their posts.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

'The eyes see before the ears hear, so appearance is important,' Amr continued.

Despite outrage surrounding the suspension, the ERTU says the ruling will not be overturned, but assures viewers women will continue to be paid during their time off.

Oh, well that's okay then…

Khadija Khatab, one of the female presenters taken off air, said she found the suspension 'humiliating and even scandalous'.

'It is just an attempt to get rid of the successful [presenters] and retain others who present programmes that have no strong content,' she said.

Getty Images

Unsurprisingly, women's rights groups across Egypt are appalled with the sexist move, especially given as there's no mention of weight requirements on the network's hiring requirements.

The Women's Centre for Guidance and Legal Awareness says the suspension 'violates the constitution' and is a form of violence against women.

ELLE, PART OF THE HEARST UK FASHION & BEAUTY NETWORK
ELLE participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.